We are not meant to be alone. We are made for human connection. This is evident in the negative effects that we see on people experiencing loneliness.
According to the Campaign to End Loneliness:
13
% of the UK feel lonely all the time.
15
cigarettes per day is a comparable health risk to loneliness.
26
% increase in risk of death to those experiencing loneliness.
64
% of lonely people are more likely to develop dementia.
~1000000
people in the UK over the age of 65 often feel lonely.
We also know that “God sets the lonely in families…”
…and we believe that He can use local churches to do just that. We hope that through this scheme we will be able to reach the most isolated, and bring hope and connection to older people experiencing loneliness to let them know that they are not forgotten.
How does it work?
Referrals
We accept referrals from statutory organisations such as social workers, social prescribers, GP’s and community health practitioners, charities, friends and family members or self-referrals.
Our main criteria for admission to the scheme is for there to be clear evidence of social isolation and that our service is being requested by the person concerned. We regret that we are unable to arrange visits where there is a diagnosis of advanced dementia or certain mental health conditions.
Our service is available to adults aged 65 and older living within Edinburgh. We typically accept referrals in EH7, 11, 14 and 15, however we are temporarily closed for new referrals.
If you would like to be added to an email list to be notified when we are accepting new referrals again, or want further details, please email our Project Coordinator here.
Befriending
The role of a volunteer is to carry out a regular home visit or telephone call to an allocated ‘scheme member’ usually for one hour every one or two weeks. This contact is often a lifeline for those who are unable to leave their home very often, and who have little contact with others in the community.
The majority of our volunteers report that they have an extremely positive experience within their role and that they benefit from their experience as much as their allocated friend. We are keen to build on this mutual benefit and encourage all volunteers to look for opportunities to celebrate and honour the achievements and experiences of scheme members.
If you have any questions or want further details, please email our Project Coordinator here.
If you or your church are interested in participating in Two’s Company or would like more information, please contact our Project Coordinator, Naomi Amour – naomi@edinburghcitymission.org.uk Find Out More

In partnership with Linking Lives UK. A Befriending Scheme for older people, by Edinburgh City Mission.

















